Measure F: Local Placer County voters to decide on renewal of additional 2 percent TOT

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TAHOE CITY, Calif. — On June 5, Placer County voters along Lake Tahoe’s North Shore will be asked to renew the local 2 percent transient occupancy tax (TOT), which is charged to visitors staying in overnight accommodations in the area.The TOT rate for Placer County as a whole is 8 percent, but in 1996 the rate was increased along the North Shore by 2 percent. The additional 2 percent was extended by voters in 2002, and will expire on Sept. 20, 2012, unless an additional extension is approved by the voters this June.According to press materials provided by the North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association (which is responsible for doling out TOT funds), one of the most visible projects to benefit from 2 percent TOT revenue is the $14 million Tahoe City Beautification Project; the redevelopment of downtown Tahoe City completed in 2001 received $1.7 million from TOT.The 2 percent TOT also aims to fund $6.85 million of the $48.6 million Kings Beach three-lane project, according to the resort association, to be used for planning and construction of streetscape elements and esthetics, such as benches, walkways, lighting, landscaping, bike racks, trash receptacles and signage.“What’s important to note about both these projects (Tahoe City and Kings Beach) is that the 2% TOT dollars were leveraged to secure additional monies from local, state and federal organizations that helped pay for the redevelopments,” said Ron Treabess, director of Partnerships and Community Planning for NLTRA, in a statement.According to the resort association, over the past 15 years, $30 million has been collected from the additional 2 percent TOT. This money has been used to secure matching grants to approximately $160 million dollars to support public improvement projects and services. TOT Funds have helped to build bike trails, improve public parks, increase transportation services.If the measure passes, the TOT rate would remain at 10 percent for an additional 10 years. The county states the tax proceeds from the 2 percent would be used to reduce traffic congestion and tourist impacts, support transportation services, build and maintain local bike trails, parks, indoor recreation opportunities, sidewalks, beaches and other public services.Measure F will pass if approved by more than half of those voting on the measure.